DIY Oil Change 4.8

[OlyS4]

Hi all, Merry Xmas.

I've searched the DIY section and used the search engine to find info on changing the oil in my '08 X5 4.8 to no avail.

I previously owned an '02 3.0 and changed the oil at home with no problems, this seems like it will be a similar process but I would like someone's input with first hand experience or a walk through for my first time. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks and hope you all have a safe and happy new year!

[OlyS4]

Is everyone paying to have their oil changed? There has to be someone on this forum that changes the oil themselves right?

Anyone have any info or tips to share?

Thanks, Happy New Year!

[Xtony]

I'll be changing the oil in my '08 4.8 in the next fee days. I'll take pics and post a DIY when I do.

Edit: DIY starts at post #25 of this thread.

[JCL]

I think it is just like changing the oil in any other BMW.

Don't get under a vehicle that isn't properly supported. Jacks don't count. Jackstands or appropriate ramps do.

Use good synthetic oil, 5w-30. I usually used OE BMW, as it wasn't expensive.

Use only an OE filter, from the dealer.

Replace all plug gaskets, o-rings, etc.

Drain the oil warm, not hot.

Filling is a bit of a hassle if you don't have a dipstick. Not sure if your model has one or not. My 535 didn't.

I think the lack of DIY posts is because most of these vehicles are still under the included maintenance program, and people have come to realize over the past few years that if you run it no longer than the service lights call for, your engine won't fail prematurely. There are far fewer people doing intermediate oil changes than there were on early E53s, for example. My 535 and X3 both ran great using the BMW service recommendations. I ran the X3 to 24,000 km instead of the 28,000 km the lights called for, and changed the oil early, but that is because I am keeping it for awhile.

Here is the only thread I found in a quick search:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-diys-e70.html

[jlam86]

Originally Posted by Xtony

I'll be changing the oil in my '08 4.8 in the next fee days. I'll take pics and post a DIY when I do.

That would be greatly appreciated by many

[OlyS4]

Originally Posted by Xtony

I'll be changing the oil in my '08 4.8 in the next fee days. I'll take pics and post a DIY when I do.

Thanks!

Even if you don't feel like taking the pics, just a simple run down of how you did it would be very helpful for those of us doing it the first time.

Happy New Year!

[OlyS4]

Originally Posted by JCL

I think it is just like changing the oil in any other BMW.

Don't get under a vehicle that isn't properly supported. Jacks don't count. Jackstands or appropriate ramps do.

Use good synthetic oil, 5w-30. I usually used OE BMW, as it wasn't expensive.

Use only an OE filter, from the dealer.

Replace all plug gaskets, o-rings, etc.

Drain the oil warm, not hot.

Filling is a bit of a hassle if you don't have a dipstick. Not sure if your model has one or not. My 535 didn't.

I think the lack of DIY posts is because most of these vehicles are still under the included maintenance program, and people have come to realize over the past few years that if you run it no longer than the service lights call for, your engine won't fail prematurely. There are far fewer people doing intermediate oil changes than there were on early E53s, for example. My 535 and X3 both ran great using the BMW service recommendations. I ran the X3 to 24,000 km instead of the 28,000 km the lights called for, and changed the oil early, but that is because I am keeping it for awhile.

Here is the only thread I found in a quick search:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-diys-e70.html

Thank you. I changed the oil regularly in our E53 3.0 and it was a breeze, just hearing that you have to drain the filter in the E70, etc, and would like clarification on where the access panels are for the oil drain plug.

Happy New Year!

[soldmystang]

Cake-Walk. Been doing mine since I bought it in 2007. I'm sorry but off the top of my head I don't know the sizes of the Allen wrench or socket needed.

1) open cap on valve cover

2) drain filter cap (under truck) using Allen Wrench

3) drain pan using Allen wrench

4) remove filter cap using socket

5) replace gaskets in filter cap (3) tip, drain plug, cap

6) install new filter, tighten cap

7) replace brass washer on drain plug, install drain plug

8) add 8 quarts of oil

Sketchy I know but it really is quite simple.

[jlam86]

I want to see a photo of the drain plug just to make surr I have the right one. Rest is a pita

[OlyS4]

Originally Posted by soldmystang

Cake-Walk. Been doing mine since I bought it in 2007. I'm sorry but off the top of my head I don't know the sizes of the Allen wrench or socket needed.

1) open cap on valve cover

2) drain filter cap (under truck) using Allen Wrench

3) drain pan using Allen wrench

4) remove filter cap using socket

5) replace gaskets in filter cap (3) tip, drain plug, cap

6) install new filter, tighten cap

7) replace brass washer on drain plug, install drain plug

8) add 8 quarts of oil

Sketchy I know but it really is quite simple.

Thank you for the walk through, I'm glad to hear it's pretty easy. Are the filter cap and the oil pan drain plug both behind plastic panels underneath the vehicle or are they exposed? And are they behind separate panels, or both behind one?

Sounds about like the E53 3.0 except the filter is underneath instead of up on top, and the filter cap has a drain.

Thanks again!